We really enjoyed our visit to Nora’s and the 4-star for food isn’t really accurate, I’d go 4.5 if I could, but I think I was a victim of hyping it up too much in my head and making the wrong choice. The absolute positives: the place is great with a really cool atmosphere and the staff are brilliant. The portions are big and the flavours (for the most part) are excellent. Pomme Anna’s, broccoli and the Venison puddings were absolute worldies without a doubt. And the Nyetimber sparkling wine was real nice. The reason for my dropping of a star - the scotch egg was ok, not the best or worst I’ve ever had and then there was the chicken. Chicken was beautiful, with lots of citrus flavours but the sausagemeat gravy was a miss for me personally. There was a lot of it, it didn’t have any significant flavour to speak of and I found it reminded me of porridge. In my opinion, it took away from the beautiful chicken. When we go back because we definitely will, I’ll be going for one of the steaks for sure!
Overview
If you’re looking for a cozy spot in Plymouth to enjoy a hearty meal, Nora's at 40 Drake Circus, North Hill, PL4 8AB, is the place to be. This hidden gem offers a delightful mix of comfort food with a touch of local flair, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area. The inviting atmosphere, combined with an excellent menu and great service, makes it a top choice for both locals and visitors.
Nora's is not your average diner. It's the kind of place where you feel instantly at home. When you walk through the door, you're greeted by the friendly staff who make sure you’re taken care of from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a longer dinner, the welcoming vibe sets the tone for a great experience.
One of the standout features of Nora's is its diverse menu. From classic British comfort food to more adventurous dishes, there’s something for everyone. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you’re in the mood for something traditional, their fish and chips are a must-try. Crisp, golden battered fish paired with chunky fries and homemade tartar sauce makes for a satisfying meal. For those looking for a twist on the classics, the roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy is always a winner.
But it’s not just the mains that shine. Nora’s dessert menu is a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The homemade sticky toffee pudding is a favorite, with a warm, gooey center that’s just the right balance of sweet and comforting. If you're a fan of fruity desserts, the summer berry crumble topped with vanilla custard is perfect for those warm afternoons.
Beyond the food, the location of Nora's in the heart of Plymouth makes it a convenient spot for a meal after a day of exploring. Whether you’re shopping in Drake Circus or strolling through North Hill, it’s the ideal place to take a break and enjoy some downtime with a great meal. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe, perfect for both casual dining and more intimate gatherings.
What makes Nora’s stand out, though, is its attention to detail in everything it does. The chefs take pride in crafting each dish with care, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last. The service is always friendly and attentive, but never overbearing, which allows you to enjoy your meal without distractions. The ambiance is perfect for a laid-back evening, and the restaurant itself is always clean and well-maintained.
If you're concerned about finding a restaurant in Plymouth that offers great food without breaking the bank, Nora's delivers on both quality and value. The portions are generous, and the prices are more than reasonable for the quality of the food you’re getting. It’s one of those places where you can expect to leave satisfied, both in terms of the meal and your wallet.
The reviews from regular customers speak for themselves. Many rave about the friendly service and the consistently good food. Others appreciate the relaxed, unpretentious vibe of the diner. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch with friends or having a special dinner with family, Nora's is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some delicious food.
For anyone visiting Plymouth, Nora's is a place that shouldn’t be missed. It embodies everything you want in a local diner - tasty food, a welcoming atmosphere, and great value. So the next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by for a meal that won’t disappoint.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Dine-in âś“ Delivery âś“ TakeawayHighlights
âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine listPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Assistive hearing loop âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Transgender safe spacePlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Paid multi-storey car park âś“ Paid street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Great to have a quality restaurant on North hill. Some interesting veg and seafood options on the menu as well; but I could not pass up a venison haunch: superb. Definitely returning. Thanks Forgot servers names; but you were all outstanding, and special mention to City Farm on union Street for supplying the mushrooms.
The best roast we have ever had. The biggest portions and everything was so so tasty! We have been to Noras several times now and the food and drinks have been incredible every single time. Never disappoints! Also the staff are so lovely and attentive
I'm a big fan of Zephyr burger so had been looking forward to trying their upmarket sister restaurant. A very different experience but absolutely worth it. The food was, without exception, delicious from the focaccia starter to the main course steaks (fish or beef) to the puddings. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable without a hint of pretension. It's towards the upper end of our usual budget but worth every penny and we'll be back as soon as we can...
Fabulous experience. The chef clearly knows what they are doing and is passionate about the way they do their locally sourced products justice. Best mussels & oysters I’ve had this side of France! Disappointed to see so many other restaurant users being typically British and order the steak! Be brave and step outside of your comfort zones guys and sample different things. The more we demand different products the more available and cost effective it will be for everyone concerned. Only negative would be the desserts, were a little underwhelming in comparison to the rest of the menu otherwise a thoroughly great experience. Keep listening and taking on the feedback and you will stand the test of time
We had the pleasure of dining here this evening and were blown away from start to finish. The food was absolutely impeccable — every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavour, and clearly crafted with genuine care and passion. You can tell that quality is at the heart of everything they do. The service was equally impressive. The team were warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome throughout our visit. Nothing was too much trouble, and their enthusiasm added so much to the experience. A real highlight of the evening was meeting the owner. His love for food and deep-rooted passion for what he does is infectious. Hearing him talk about the dishes and his inspiration made the meal feel personal and truly special. This restaurant is a real gem. If you’re looking for incredible food, wonderful service, and an atmosphere filled with heart and dedication, look no further. We can’t recommend it highly enough — you’re in for an amazing treat!
This is by far the best roast in Plymouth, and probably the best I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to come back to try some of their steaks. Would recommend to anyone and everyone. The service from all the staff was great, even though the restaurant was nearly full we didn’t have to wait long for any part of our meal. Our main waiter was a lad with red hair who was great, unfortunately didn’t catch his name. The espresso martini was pretty good, but it would be nice if they had a couple more options for draft beer. We were also offered water for the table as soon as we were sat which was great. We had scallops, which were a special I think, and these were really nice. Good size scallops served with Nduja butter cooked perfectly. I went for the mixed meat roast, chicken and beef, and this was phenomenal !! The beef was tender, cooked to perfection and the chicken was moist but with crispy skin. Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo with the gravy on, but that bought everything together perfectly. The portion size for the price was very very good. My mum had the Nut Roast, and she agreed it was the best she’d ever had. For desert we had the Bread and peanut butter pudding which was great, and the jam it comes with was incredibly sweet and you could tell it was high quality. Overall I will 100% be coming back here, and recommending it to anyone who will listen. The bill came to £125 for 3 of us with their 12.5% service charge which in all honesty seemed great value, too cheap if anything and they could get away with charging more.
We came here for our Wedding Anniversary meal at the weekend. We have gone to Zephyr for quite some time and were excited to visit their new venture Noras. From the get-go, with the thoughtful anniversary touches, to the food and the service, it was a great night! Firstly, the food - delicious! The Goats cheese doughnut (WOW!), and the Scotch Egg starters were both amazing. As it was a special occasion we opted for the shared Cote De Boeuf for our main. There was a little bit of a wait due to another tables order, which we weren't worried about, but the wait was worth it! It was a delicious cut of beef, and it came with 2 different sauces. We picked 2 sides, again, delicious. Now, the service. They were fantastic! Every staff member we encountered were friendly, and helpful. As mentioned we had a little wait on the main, and the staff went above and beyond to make up for this. It was a great evening, with fantastic food, atmosphere and service. And a bonus to be able to support a local, independent business, with great British produce. I look forward to visiting again!